The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. The Lake County Forest Preserves, the Lake County Health Department and NorthShore University Health System have teamed up to bring “Rx for Health: Walking in Nature” to the community. This program brings together naturalists and health care providers for guided walking tours of Lake County’s forest preserves.
The eight walks are free, open to the public, and require no registration. They will take place rain or shine on specific Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., as follows:
- April 8, Hastings Lake, 21155 W. Gelden Road, Lake Villa
- April 29, Nippersink Forest Preserve, 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake
- May 20, Ryerson Woods, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
- June 17, Greenbelt, 1110 Green Bay Road, North Chicago
- July 15, Old School, 28285 St. Mary’s Road, Mettawa
- August 12, Van Patten Woods, 15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth
- September 16, Grant Woods, 25405 W. Monaville Road, Ingleside
- October 14, Lyons Woods, 10200 W. Blanchard Road, Waukegan
Launched in 2014, the Rx for Health program aligns with the Lake County Community Health Improvement
Plan to increase physical activity in adults and youth. Data shows that 57% of Lake County adults are either overweight or obese, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, poor mental health, and reduced quality of life.
